Legislature considers updates to interstate compact protecting military children

Representative Ed Butchery opened the hearing on House Bill 118 by describing the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as a measure to protect educational continuity for children whose families move for military service. Butchery said the compact has been in Montana law for 12 years, all 50 states are members, and HB118 makes minor updates: correcting U.S. Code citations and setting membership payment to the compact’s established rate rather than a fixed $2 per student so Montana would not need repeated statutory fixes if the compact’s per‑student cost changes.

Susie Hedalen, superintendent for the Office of Public Instruction, testified in support and said the compact ‘‘helps clarify’’ enrollment and eligibility issues for military families, promoting on‑time graduation despite frequent moves. Rob Watson and other education advocates reiterated support, noting the compact’s practical benefits for families and schools.

Committee questions focused on why the change was needed now and whether the membership cost would cause fiscal exposure. Representative Butchery explained the compact initially had a sunset and that the $2 per‑student figure had been used for years; the bill adopts the compact’s rate, which other states do, and retains the option to withdraw from the compact if costs became prohibitive. The sponsor and witnesses said the fiscal note shows no impact to OPI or the Department of Military Affairs.

Butchery closed by emphasizing the compact’s low cost and the importance of ensuring mobile military children’s credits and enrollment aren’t disrupted.

The committee closed the hearing on HB118 with proponents urging passage and staff available to answer follow‑up questions.